Thursday, April 28, 2011

REMEMBER THIS fantastic metal bed frame I picked up while thrifting at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore a few months ago? [see post here] Well, after debating on whether to paint it or not and reading all of your lovely comments, I thought I'd share the makeover with you!

Originally I thought I would paint it white - it's always my favourite way to update old pieces and I'm a huge fan of white. The walls in the guest room are a biscuit shade with white drapes and I didn't want to change the wall colour - painting the bed white would have looked very pretty. But then I thought, maybe I should step out of my comfort zone and go for something a little more fun and colourful.

So, inspired by the beautiful colour of my favourite Domino decorating book, I knew I had found the perfect shade of paint. I came across Martha Stewart's sample sizes (plenty to complete this project) and had Home Depot mix me a little pot of this gorgeous turquoise green, very reminiscent of that vintage colour popular when this bed was in style.

After a bit of primer and a couple coats of paint, here's the final result!

I like that the room still has a bit of a beachy feel but it gives it a pop of colour. Even though we're moving, this look can easily be recreated in another home. What do you think?

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

THE WORLD is abuzz with royal wedding coverage and if you want a piece of royal wedding-inspired decor, check out these accessories as shown on styleathome.com. I remember as a kid getting up super early to watch Lady Di's wedding and I know I'll be doing the same this time around. Are you caught up in the buzz?

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

I JUST ORDERED a few new books from Amazon and this one is already a favourite. At Home With White by Atlanta Bartlett is filled with spaces that mix vintage painted pieces with soft fabrics, sparkling chandeliers and charming accessories. Such calming prettiness, it's a great escape in the middle of a hectic day.

Friday, April 22, 2011

CAN YOU believe it's already Easter? From all the snow we've been getting this week, I was thinking it was more like Christmas! I'm thinking of making a quick trip north to surprise my family for the weekend before I make my big move to Dubai. Whether yours will be filled with family and friends or simply a visit by the easter bunny, have a wonderful weekend!

Monday, April 18, 2011

IT'S BEEN A whirlwind week! First, I just want to thank all of you for your awesome comments on our move. Whenever I need a boost, I can always count on you for encouragement and best wishes and it really means A LOT! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It's amazing what can be accomplished in a week when you have to set your mind to it. I've never purged through everything so quickly in my life! Numerous trips to goodwill, selling furniture, lawnmowers, snowblowers, and having a huge yard sale when the season hasn't even started yet! Thank goodness for people with the yard sale bug - they come out regardless of how cold and rainy it is - I've never had so many people in my house!

Buyers, appraisers, real estate agents, moving company assessors, inspectors - I'm now the queen of scheduling! I feel like I've been on auto-pilot, like a robot going through the motions. I hope to return to normal human life soon! And I hope you'll stay tuned!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

OK, ACTUALLY this secret is quite a biggie. And it's been eating me up because I've just been dying to let you in on it.

So here goes.... we're moving. to. Dubai.

Whew! There I said it and I feel so much lighter already! There have been rumblings for awhile and now it's looking pretty official. Well, especially since we're moving out of our apartment in Ireland next week!

I know, you're probably as shocked as I still am - I haven't quite wrapped my brain around it. The culture, the middle east location, the sun and heat (oh yes, the heat!) From a lush green, wet island to a desert frying pan, you couldn't imagine a more opposite change.

But I suppose I have more than one secret... we are leaving our Muskoka place behind. Yup, it's going on the market and that part is definitely bittersweet. I adore Muskoka. I adore our place. And coming back on Friday and stepping through the door was heartbreaking for me, knowing that this place I love so much would soon be gone. The tears were flowing. And so, moving out of Ireland and moving out of Muskoka is a little more than this little brain can manage. I'm trying to hold it together as I deal with all the minute details.

So I hope you'll bear with me if I'm a little sporatic with my posts and visits to your lovely blogs. And hopefully you're not too disappointed in me for not sharing my news sooner. But on the bright side, you'll get to share in my adventure of moving to a foreign land and getting my bearings (and finding an apartment & decorating it!) There's always a silver lining.

Monday, April 11, 2011

REMEMBER those green fields and daffodils? Well, they're certainly not happening in Muskoka! Mother Nature has been one lazy gal around here! Not a speck of grass to be seen - just brown, brown, brown.... and WHITE - where all the snow hasn't melted yet. On the dreary bright side, it's pouring out right now so maybe it will help melt away that stubborn snow and push this spring along. Has spring arrived in your neck of the woods?

Friday, April 8, 2011

SO I'M heading back to Canada today. Time again to leave the green fields of Ireland and daffodils in full bloom. It's been a lovely spring here so far - I hope Mother Nature greets me with some springy weather in Muskoka!
Happy Weekend everyone!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

AS MANY OF you know, I've got a thing for sneakers. And with spring finally here, it was an excuse time to treat myself to some new ones. These cuties are a lovely coral pink shade with ribbon laces - love them! I also picked up this cute cotton tote from Laura Ashley which will come in handy for groceries or going to the beach. Have you picked up any fun accessories for spring?

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

ONE THING I've always enjoyed no matter where I've visited is to roam around back alleys and side streets. You never know what you see and sometimes you come across the most interesting things. Sometimes pretty, often gritty, here's a taste of what I've seen around Ireland...

Friday, April 1, 2011

I'VE ALWAYS loved the idea of a cozy attic hideaway - there's just something so appealing about being tucked up under the eaves. This attic is so pretty with its turquoise wood paneled walls, the charming stencils and girly crystal sconces. And there's something about it that says 'weekend' to me. Have you ever had an attic space?

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about me

I'm a former magazine art director from Canada with a guy whose work has moved us to Ireland, Dubai and now back to Canada. I love designing handbags, decorating, DIY, travelling and all things pretty. This blog is where I catalog everything that gives me inspiration....and I give you a peek into my work and my life.